UK airlines issue warning over new EU travel rules

An easyJet boss has warned UK travellers of major queues and a high likelihood of passengers being stuck on planes due to the rollout of the new EES by the European Union.

This could happen after travellers arrive at European airports once enhanced border checks are introduced.

EES is a new digital border system that changes requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.

Those travelling to the Schengen area will need to register their biometric details including having their fingerprints or photo taken of them when they reach the EU border for the first time following the arrival of the EES.

Longer queue times when travellers arrive at the Schengen border are already a concern with travel experts warning this may be the tip of the iceberg.

Johan Lundgren, chief executive officer of easyJet warned that EES could mean airlines may experience an inability to disembark passengers with others being unable to board due to the congested terminal buildings which could leave no room for additional travellers.

“In the worst case you actually can’t disembark, you hold people on the plane,” said Lundgren in an interview at the annual convention of travel trade organisation Abta in Greece.

He added that there could be “some disruption” adding: “We have to think about what can actually happen.”

Lundgren was direct when calling for EES to be further delayed unless changes happened regarding pre-registering for travellers before embarking on their journeys.

He said: “We have been clear – if the EU is not ready, change the date.”

This announcement comes as countries including France and Belgium are reportedly still not prepared for EES due to a lack of technological infrastructure needed.

These states may not be able to introduce the advanced biometric systems essential for EES, reported the Guardian.

Appointed UK and Ireland managing director for Tui said: “We will absolutely be looking after our customers, we will be making sure they’re aware.”

He continued: “But I think the Government should be doing a bit more as well to make sure that everyone is aware of what the situation is.”

ABTA’s Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer said: “It’s frustrating that there will be delays for customers. Nobody wants that.

“Because we haven’t had a clear date for when this is going to commence, we haven’t really been able to start detailed communication yet.”

The BBC reported in August that the UK government will provide a funding of £10.5m to help prepare for EES and the new EU border checks.